BILLY PAYNTER has the aim of making sure Connah’s Quay Nomads are in the top-six come the mid-season split.

This target moved a step nearer as Nomads got the better of Cardiff Met 1-0, which moves them to within just two points of sixth-placed Caernarfon.

Ben Maher’s stunning half-volley from 20 yards out settled Quay’s fifth league win of the campaign and Met finished up with 10 men following the dismissal of Jac Clay early in the second period.

It was the ideal way for Nomads to recover from their 2-1 midweek defeat to The New Saints.

Boss Paynter told S4C’s Sgorio: “Cardiff Met are a very strong team, athletic.

“So, our game plan was to be disciplined in our shape at first. We didn’t expect them to play that shape, so we had a quick adjustment, matched them up and tried to get our feel into the game. You know, Wednesday night was tough to take, so it was good to bounce back.”

Flint Town United slipped to a 4-1 loss during their trip to Haverfordwest County. Ben Ahmun’s penalty and a strike from Greg Walters had Haverfordwest two goals to the good inside the opening 20 minutes.

Flint hopes were revamped by Florian Yonsian’s effort after half-an-hour, but County stretched their advantage via a double from Ben Fawcett.

The match was overshadowed by a serious looking injury for Harley Brindley-Peagram late on in the contest.

Offering an update after the match, Flint boss Lee Fowler said: “He’s in a bit of shock still now.

“Hopefully, it’s dislocation rather than the ACL. You’ve got to give massive credit to Haverfordwest, which doesn’t surprise us.

“They’re a brilliant football club. Their support staff and the physios helped ours with it.

“We’re hoping and praying that Harley can go and get an x-ray today, an MRI scan, so fingers crossed. Our best wishes are with Harley.”

Big away wins were the outcomes for title-chasing Penybont and The New Saints. Leaders Penybont swept aside hosts Caernarfon Town 5-1 to grab their 10th triumph of the campaign.

Chris Venables and Nathan Wood had Rhys Griffiths’ charges two-up at the interval, while second half efforts from Wood, Gabriel Kircough and James Crole sealed the deal. Paulo Mendes pulled one back for Caernarfon midway through the second half.

The New Saints’ 10th league win of the season arrived via a 4-1 outcome at Barry.

Declan McManus (2), Ashley Baker and Leo Smith led the Saints to success, as Sam Snaith struck for Barry.

It was honours even as Newtown and Bala Town played out a 0-0 draw.

In the big battle at the foot of the standings, Briton Ferry Llansawel swept aside Aberystwyth Town 4-0.